Editorial: Energy technology research vital to the nation

We know that the new Congress won’t be in a tax- and-spend mood when it convenes in January, but there is an issue that may prompt it to open the government’s purse strings.

A recent report from the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology says the government needs to increase funding for energy technology research and development from $5 billion to $16 billion a year. It also recommends the nation must develop an integrated policy that fosters innovation.

Currently, America spends only about 0.03 percent of its gross domestic product on energy research and development, according to The New York Times. Japan spends about 0.08 percent of its GDP, and France around 0.05 percent.

That state of affairs must change if America is to remain, as the study says, “at the forefront of energy technology innovation over the next decade.”

Not only is energy technology research vital to maintaining America’s economic competitiveness in the coming years, it’s vital to national security and controlling global climate change.

Unfortunately, the research does not come free. The study says the president will need to encourage revenue streams to the tune of about $10 billion a year. One possibility is a two- cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline.

Nobody wants to pay more taxes than they have to, but we think that two cents on a gallon of gas is a small price to pay to boost energy independence and develop better energy policies.

Over the long run, the price of fossil fuels will continue to rise. That’s one reason why we need better research and coordination to confront this situation. We can pay a little now, or a whole lot more later. The council’s proposals merit Congress’ attention.